Emigrating to France

Last updated: March 5, 2026

Emigrating to France: A Practical Guide for Dutch Citizens

Moving to France from the Netherlands involves several administrative steps, financial considerations, and practical adjustments. This guide provides clear, factual information on what to expect, how to prepare, and how to settle in France legally and smoothly.

Visa and Residency Requirements

As an EU citizen, Dutch nationals do not need a visa to enter or stay in France. You have the right to live, work, and study in France without applying for a residence permit for stays up to 3 months.

For stays longer than 3 months:

You must register your residence with the local Préfecture or Sous-préfecture.
This usually involves submitting proof of identity (valid passport or ID card), proof of address, and proof of sufficient income or employment.
No formal residence permit is required, but you may need to request a certificate of residence (Attestation de résidence) in some cases to access certain services.

Useful website:
France-Visas Official Portal

Registering with French Authorities

Once you arrive, you should:

Register at your local mairie (town hall) for certain municipal services and to enroll children in school.
Register with CPAM (Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie) to access healthcare under the French social security system.
Open a local bank account for easier transactions, salary deposits, and tax payments.

Healthcare and Social Security

As an EU citizen, you should bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for initial medical needs.
To benefit from the French healthcare system fully, register for PUMA (Protection Universelle Maladie) by applying at your local CPAM office.
You will need to provide proof of residence, identity, and income or employment.
Healthcare costs are generally reimbursed at 70%, with complementary private insurance (mutuelle) recommended.

Costs:

Mutuelle insurance costs range from €20 to €100 per month depending on coverage.

Employment and Income

You may work without a permit.
Register with URSSAF for social contributions if self-employed.
Taxes are paid via the French system; you must declare worldwide income to the French tax authorities if you become tax resident (generally after 183 days in France per year).

Income tax rates (2024):

0% up to €10,777
11% up to €27,478
30% up to €78,570
41% up to €168,994
45% above €168,994

Housing

Renting: Average rent in Paris for a 1-bedroom apartment is about €1,000-1,500/month; outside Paris, €600-900/month.
Buying property involves notary fees of approximately 7-8% of the property price.
Utility setup (electricity, gas, water, internet) can take 1-2 weeks.

Banking

Opening a bank account usually requires proof of identity, proof of address, and proof of income or employment.
Most banks offer online services; some popular banks for expats are BNP Paribas, Société Générale, and Crédit Agricole.
Expect to pay around €5-15/month for basic banking services.

Education

Public schools are free for residents and provide education from kindergarten through high school.
Registration requires proof of residence and immunization records.
International or bilingual schools are available but often expensive (€5,000-15,000/year).

Taxes and Insurance

You must declare your worldwide income to the French tax office.
Social charges (CSG/CRDS) apply on most income sources.
Home and car insurance are mandatory.
Car registration is required within one month of arrival with a valid French address.

Practical Tips

Learn basic French before arrival; it makes integration much easier.
Use the official service site service-public.fr for all administrative procedures.
Keep all paperwork organized, including birth certificates, marriage certificates, diplomas, and rental contracts.
Register with the Dutch embassy in Paris for consular assistance.

Common mistakes

Not registering residence after 3 months: Although no residence permit is required, failing to register can limit access to healthcare and other services.
Ignoring tax obligations: Becoming a tax resident without declaring income leads to penalties.
Failing to get health insurance: Relying solely on the EHIC without registering for PUMA can cause unexpected costs.
Underestimating language barriers: Not learning French can hamper everyday tasks and social integration.
Delaying bank account setup: Without a French bank account, managing finances and paying bills becomes complicated.
Skipping vehicle registration: Driving with a foreign-registered vehicle past the allowed period can result in fines.

Moving to France is straightforward for Dutch nationals, but adhering to the administrative steps and understanding local systems is essential for a smooth transition. Use official resources and plan ahead to avoid common pitfalls.

Official resources for more information:

Emigrating to France